Local Advisory Board

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Alida Davis Abdullah

Alida Davis Abdullah is an education professional, parent advocate, youth motivational speaker, blogger. Alida earned her BS degree from Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, and her Master’s in Education from Walden University. She created her own organization called Bridge 2 Life in her hometown of Columbus, GA to meet the needs of youth in her community. Alida serves as the education advisor to the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) whose focus is to improve the economic health of communities through public and private partnerships that create opportunities for underserved communities.

Mary Frances Clardy

Mary Frances Clardy is a veteran teacher who works as a literacy coach in St Paul Public Schools where she mentors other teachers. A strong change agent, Mary Frances has successful experience working with underperforming schools to improve reading and writing skills in students. Mary Frances also has a strong background in public service outside the classroom through the Minnesota State Board of Teaching and the Civil Rights Commission for the City of Minneapolis. Prior to her long career in education, Mary Frances worked as a Program Manager at Habitat for Humanity.

Sarah Clyne

Sarah Clyne is a strong leader who has led highly successful teams and organizations. As an experienced Executive Director, she has developed skills in finance, human resources, strategic planning and execution, program development and expansion, and fundraising strategies. Her previous work has been in the K-12 school systems, leading teams to ensure strong support for children and families. Sarah holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Minnesota.

Anthony Hernandez

After graduating from Harvard in 2012, Anthony Hernandez spent two years teaching first and then second grade in Washington, D.C. receiving his training through the Capital Teaching Residency. In 2014 he moved home to Minnesota and was fortunate to land a teaching position at Global Academy, a public charter school in Columbia Heights and one of the best beating-the-odds schools in the Twin Cities. Since February 2016 he has been a board member and treasurer for the Saint Anthony West Neighborhood Organization. In 2018 Anthony ran for DFL endorsement to represent Minnesota’s district 60A.

Bill Graves

Bill Graves is the founding president of The John and Denise Graves Family Foundation. Prior to his work with the foundation, Bill worked in the technology and creative consulting sectors as a business analyst, writer, producer, and resource manager. He lives in Northeast Minneapolis with his wife, Mary, and daughter, Fern.

Anne Mahle

Anne Mahle is the senior vice president of public partnerships at Teach For America, where she leads its government affairs, national community alliances, federal and state funding, and public policy work. From 2004 until 2013, Anne worked for Teach For America’s recruitment team, leading their on-campus efforts across the country beginning in 2007. From 2001 to 2004, Anne served as an associate at Faegre & Benson, LLP. In this role, she litigated cases in federal and state courts and managed major litigation under the Endangered Species Act regarding the down-listing of the grey wolf across the contiguous United States. Anne received her JD from the University of California and has a BA in government from Beloit College. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two daughters.